Acer in a low-profile introduction has launched one of its first intelligent computer displays. The D241H borrows the same concepts behind instant-on booting for notebooks and uses a Wi-Fi connection to load a miniature OS. The tactic gives the 24-inch LCD basic Internet access and widget-based news as well as media player and photo frame regardless of whether or not the attached computer is powered.

As an actual display, the Acer screen leans towards the low-to-mid range with a TN-based 1080p panel but an 80,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and a 2ms pixel response time. Video input depends on either "analog" (likely VGA) or HDMI, but a multi-format card reader and a two-port USB hub help it complement a desktop. Acer vows support for both Macs and Windows PCs.

Neither the company nor third-party retailers have a price or a ship date for the D241H, although including a small computer inside is likely to carry a small premium over a display-only equivalent. [via Engadget]